Child Development for Child Care and Protection Workers

Child Development for Child Care and Protection Workers is the first study of child development to be written specifically for practitioners in the child care and protection field. Summarising important current thinking on child development and applying it directly to practice, the book considers ways in which development can be interrupted, and explores concepts of vulnerability and resilience, while relating them closely to helping children who have been abused or have suffered other trauma. The quality of children's human interactions, and the importance of assessing them as part of a social network, forms an important theme in this book. In particular, the authors outline how attachment theory can be helpful for child care and protection practice as it relates language and cognitive, moral and social development to the quality of human relationships. The impact of abuse and neglect on children in infancy, at school age and during adolescence is contrasted with outlines of what can be considered 'normal' development. Presenting case studies and opportunities to reflect on current methods of treating children, this book encourages practitioners to respond to the circumstances of each child as unique, and links theory and practice in an imaginative and sympathetic way.

Table of Contents:
Foreword, Jim Ennis. 1. Introduction. 2. Developing Relationships. 3. Parenting. 4. Resilience and Vulnerability. 5. Adversity and the Protective Environment. 6. Early Years. 7. School Years. 8. Adolescence. 9. Conclusions. References. Index.

About the Author :
Brigid Daniel is Professor of Social Work at the University of Stirling. With a background in research psychology, she worked for some years in local authority social work, primarily with children and families. Sally Wassel is an independant consultant and trainer in child care, and an associate lecturer at Dundee University. Robbie Gilligan is a senior lecturer in social work at Trinity College Dublin and has written extensively on child care and foster care.

Review :
`Child Development for Child Care and Protection Workers offers a good solid account of child development rooted in attachment theory - the current hot topic in childcare social work.' `What a refreshing change to read a text on child development which is child-focused and embedded in an appropriate theoretical background…The bibliography is extensive and appropriate, and throughout there are suggested activities for the students to investigate. I found the activities to be thought-provoking, challenging and an excellent guide to a fully focused assessment of children. The child-focused nature of the text shines throughout… It is to be hoped that this text is used widely, and that the next generation of child protection workers has the understanding and the knowledge to enable well-informed, child-focused decisionmaking in child protection.'